250 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



ing it toward the operator. When the tibia is beyond reach 

 the cow is placed into the dorsal position, the retained leg now 

 being on top and more accessible. When the fetlock is directed 

 toward the pubis and the metatarsal bone within reach, the 

 latter is grasped by the hand, placing the thumb upon the 

 flexed tendons. The thumb now presses the leg upward and 

 forward, in consequence of which the calf descends some, the 

 hand glides down to the claws and draws the leg into the geni- 

 tal canal. This reposition is easiest with the cow in the stand- 

 ing posture. When an assistant can repel the calf with the 

 arm, more room is gained for work. 



As long as the calf lives everything must be done to effect 

 reposition. 



After the calf is dead and all the foetal waters have been 

 discharged, and consequently the uterus contracted firmly, a 

 great deal of warm water may be introduced into the uterus, 

 and another attempt made to adjust the leg. Should every- 

 thing fail, one hind leg may be removed at the hip-joint and 

 parturition finished by pulling on the leg normally presented. 



(/) ABNORMAL POSITION OF BOTH HIND LEGS. 



Both hind legs may be abnormally presented. Both hocks 

 may be below or opposite the pubis, both in the pelvic canal 

 with claws turned toward the uterus, or both hind legs lie 

 close against the abdomen. 



The first named presentations are treated as already sug- 

 gested, only the latter, both hind legs completely retained and 

 turned against the belly, require a detailed discussion. 



This malposition is frequent, often causing dystokia, as the 

 foetal waters are usually evacuated when we are called. The 

 uterus is then moulded upon the calf and interferes with our 

 attempts at reposition. 



Diagnosis. — The history is that parturition has been going 

 on for some time, and that it is usually uncertain whether the 

 water-bag has ruptured or not. The continuous but not strong 

 pains have not advanced any part of the foetus as far as the 

 vulva, excepting possibly the tassel on the tail. Internal ex- 



